Greek PM Tsipras Announces Reshuffle of Cabinet

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced on Friday evening major reshuffles to the composition of his government.

Tsipras has made a total of nine changes to his ministers and alternate ministers, daily Kathimerini informs.

The Greek Prime Minister was forced to make the move after the split within his SYRIZA party over the terms of the third bailout, which had been agreed between Athens and the leaders of the eurozone leaders on Monday.

This became evident during the parliamentary vote on the bailout agreement on Thursday, when 32 SYRIZA MPs voted against the deal, while six abstained.

Labour Minister Panos Skourletis has replaced one of the hardline rebels Panagiotis Lafazanis as Energy Minister.

Administrative Reforms Minister Georgios Katrougalos will become the new labour minister.

Tryfon Alexiadis was named deputy finance minister to replace Nadia Valavani, who resigned earlier this week.

Christoforos Vernardakis will be the deputy defence minister, while SYRIZA MP Olga Gerovassili was named government spokeswoman.